#merchling

Y/N came from a long line of merchants who did their dealings mainly in sadistic ways. When the thought of inheriting part of her father’s blood money got too much, she escaped barely with her life. She managed to keep out of the hands of her father’s men who searched for her for months, and out of the eye of the Stadwatch, by occasionally providing information to the lower-status gangs of the Barrel.

One day, she saw a young man struggling with two men in a browboat near the harbour. She’d originally helped pull him out of the water to steal from him, but when she recognized the distressed face, she couldn’t bring herself to. She’d known Wylan Van Eck all her life, as did he, but only through exchanging quick “hellos” at parties. She’d always noticed how uncomfortable he seemed—the urge to grab his hand and tell him “me too” screaming to come out.

Y/N stepped away from helping the lower-status gangs when she insisted on helping Wylan. She went back to stealing and picking up odd jobs while he played his flute for money. They’d made a slight living doing such and compared to their old life, it was enough. Then Kaz Brekker had taken advantage of Wylan’s situation.

Y/N stopped abruptly in front of Wylan, causing him to start and nearly drop his flute.

“Up,” she said.

“What?”

“Get up. Now.”

“What? Why?”

“Let’s go.” She quickly packed his flute for him and pulled him up by his forearm.

“What’s going on, Y/N?” She was displaying paranoia as she took him through the crowds. “What are you do—”

“He’s back.”

“What? Who?”

She shot him a look over her shoulder.

“Y/N there are a few people that come to mind who we should be worried about—”

“Brekker,” she said quietly, through her teeth.

That made him perk up and quicken his pace. Once they were weaving through empty alleyways, Wylan spoke again.

“How do you know it was him? I mean, it could be anyone—”

“I saw him,” she replied. “All three of them.”

“How long? Where?”

“Five minutes ago, upper East Stave. Ships came in from Novokribirsk hours ago, though. Probably already has eyes on you.”

“So then what’s the point?”

“I’d rather test your luck than not, Wy.”

When they entered the warehouse Kaz Brekker had set up for Wylan a few months ago, they were quick to halt.

“Whole Stadwatch crew’s lookin’ for you,” said Y/N.

“What’s the rush?” the brooding young man said.

They took the few steps down to the main area.

“Just on our way out.”

“Then I’ve caught you at a perfect time. Wylan.”

He fiddled with the straps of his bag. “How are you alive?”

“In part, thanks to you.” Brekker walked behind the tables covered in demolition equipment. “How much phosphorus did you pack into the flash bomb? The escape option against the Darkling?”

Wylan moved towards him on the opposite side. “Did you need it? Was it enough?”

He hesitated. “Nearly.” Y/N’s eyes narrowed. “I need you to make a new package for me.”

Wylan chuckled uncomfortably. “You said that was a one-time thing. Not a real step into your world… I was strapped at the time.”

“And now?” The furrow between Kaz Brekker’s eyebrows had disappeared. It was a moment of sincerity Y/N didn’t think he’d be capable of. “When was the last time you ate?” he’d looked at the both of them then.

Kaz reached for a bottle that made Wylan reach out. “Don’t—don’t touch that specific bottle… you’ll be itching for days.” Kaz shook his fingers out.

“He’s doing just fine on his own,” Y/N spoke up.

“He’s not on his own though… is he?” The attitude in his tone made her brows furrow. “I know more about you, Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N, than you think.”

The blood in her ears roared and her face flushed.

“You know every language of the surrounding countries. A cousin of yours, who you’re still illegally in contact with, is part of the Council of Tides. You also have connections within the Shu Han merchant council. You have things I want.”

“I will not take part in your schemes.”

“Has your father made any movement to redact his reward of three million kruge for your safe return? He must be so worried.”

“You wouldn’t get what you want. Wylan probably wouldn’t work for you anymore.”

“You’re right. I could afford to hire a new demolitions expert and build him a whole house off in the farming district. However, then I wouldn’t have your cousin, or your Shu Han connections… or your knowledge of every bank in Kerch.”

“I left to get away from the life my father led.”

Kaz smirked, “You’re doing a pretty good job of it.”

“Look, I’ll—” Wylan sighed. “The last thing we both need is for our old lives to catch up to us.”

“And I can make sure it won’t.”

Y/N and Wylan looked at each other.

“My crew will meet you back here at two bells.”

They didn’t protest as he made his leave.

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